CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver left school pupils beaming with joy after he paid them a special visit to launch a new set of awards.

The TV star met with catering staff and youngsters as he swung by John Ray Infant and Junior School in Braintree.

His visit was shown to a national audience on the BBC’s One Show last night as viewers got to watch Jamie during the trip.

It came as the chef launched his School Food Awards which celebrate the best cooks, food teams and educators within the country’s schools.

Braintree and Witham Times: Action - Jamie Oliver with the childrenAction - Jamie Oliver with the children (Image: Newsquest)

“There are so many unsung heroes out there and it’s about time we gave them the big love they deserve,” said Jamie, who lives in Finchingfield.

During the package he filmed at John Ray, the celebrity sat down with the children and spoke to them about the importance of having a good meal.

One pupil told him: “It makes me feel happier and it makes me feel satisfied”.

The excited youngsters shouted out “yeah” when asked if they love the food they get at school and the people who cook it.

Braintree and Witham Times: Say cheese - Jamie and the pupils in the school hallSay cheese - Jamie and the pupils in the school hall (Image: Newsquest)

Headteacher Lisa Christian told Jamie: “We find within school that it [lunchtime] is a really, really important time to socialise.

“They try things they wouldn’t usually try.

“We noticed that their behaviour and concentration has definitely improved.”

After filming, Miss Christian told the Times that Jamie’s visit left an “amazing feeling” at the school.

Braintree and Witham Times: Watch and learn - the celebrity chef in the school kitchenWatch and learn - the celebrity chef in the school kitchen (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “They were filming all of lunchtime around the school.

“Then there were eight children from the infant school and eight from the juniors who got involved and they were filmed eating their favourite school lunch, which in this case was spaghetti bolognaise.

“They had a chat about the school dinners, healthy eating and our staff cooked with him after.

Braintree and Witham Times: Top nosh - Jamie with the catering team at the schoolTop nosh - Jamie with the catering team at the school (Image: Newsquest)

“It was an amazing experience from start to finish and everybody is so buzzing from the visit.

“They were all so excited meeting him and are still talking about it now.

“He was such a down to earth, lovely, passionate person and we really gained a lot from it all.”

For more information on the awards, click HERE.